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1st April

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1918: RAF founded


On April 1, 1918, the Royal Air Force (RAF) is formed with the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. At the outbreak of World War I, Germany took the lead in air strategy, and England suffered bombing raids and frustration in the skies against German flying aces such as Manfred von Richthofen, The Red Baron. However, by the war's end, the RAF had gained air superiority along the Western Front. Two decades later, the courage and effectiveness of the RAF would prove legendary during the Battle of Britain, thwarting Adolf Hitler's invasion plans for Britain despite being outnumbered by the German air force.

1999

In Britain's first full war crimes trial Anthony Sawoniuk, aged 78, is given two life sentences for the murder of 18 Jews during World War II.

1980

Opening of Britain's first nudist beach at Brighton.

1974

Iran declares itself to be an Islamic Republic.

1973

Britain introduces VAT (Value Added Tax) to replace Purchase Tax and SET.

1965

Britain announces the formation of Greater London - comprising the City of London and 32 Metropolitan Authorities.

1960

United States launches its first weather satellite.

1958

First Aldermaston march for nuclear disarmament in Britain.

1948

The blockade of Berlin begins with Soviet troops enforcing road and rail blocks between Berlin and the Allied Zone in West Germany. The Allies mount a massive airlift to keep West Berlin supplied.

1947

Britain nationalises the Electricity Industry.

1947

School leaving age in Britain raised to 15.

1945

World War II: American forces invade the island of Okinawa in the Pacific Ocean.

1935

Britain introduces Green Belt legislation to stop indiscriminate building on many areas of the countryside.

1924

The first gramophone to change records automatically goes on sale.

1918

In Britain, the creation of the Royal Air Force, the RAF, incorporating the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.

1908

Britain forms Territorial Army.

1877

Eddison announces invention of microphone

1957

English cricket captain David Gower.

1938

American actress Ali McGraw.

1932

American actress Debbie Reynolds.

1893

Actress Dame Cicely Courtneidge born Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

1883

American actor Ian Chaney US actor Born Colorado Springs.

1875

Edgar Wallace, writer.

1873

Composer Sergei Rachmaninov.

1815

Prince Otto von Bismarck. German Chancellor.

1578

William Harvey. Physician. Discovered blood circulation.

1984

Marvin Gaye. American singer shot dead in violent row with his father.

1917

American pianist Scott Joplin.